High King on Dragon

It wasn't fear that made his entire body tense as if it were about to break; he had fought in enough battles to recognize fear when it reared its head. No, what gripped his muscles in a vice was his profound sense of responsibility, weighing on him like a crushing slab, suffocating him. Mounting his faithful battle dragon that morning had not been a decision taken lightly; this creature was the ultimate symbol of his martial commitment. No matter how perilous, combat had never daunted him. Now,